Remix Words With Prefixes

Redo, repair, recycle.

“Re” means to do something again.

Unkempt, undone, unleash.

“Un” means not.

These additions are prefixes—a letter or group of letters attached to the beginning of a word that changes its meaning.

Build Better Readers with Vocabulary Games for Kids!

Players will practise adding common prefixes to words by choosing a card and reading the word through this activity. They’ll then identify a matching prefix for the word on the game board and cover it with one of their manipulatives. The player who connects four squares in a row first is the winner!

The prefixes students will match to root words are:

• un-
• re-
• mis-
• de-

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by providing visuals like an anchor chart or affixes poster.

Challenge fast finishers who understand the concepts to write sentences with prefix words. They can also define the meaning of the prefix, root word, and new prefix plus root word.

More Ways To Play With Our Prefix Vocab Game

We created this resource for your reading center as an independent practise activity. We also suggest using it to reinforce your small group and full-class lessons in the following ways:

✏️ Write the Room (Scoot Activity)

Hang sheets of chart paper around the room and post a word card above each one. Individually or with a partner, have students rotate around the room, adding a correct prefix on the paper to create a new word. Project the game board for reference, if needed. Words may be used only once.

💥 Swat! 

During small group instruction, create a grid of 4 cards on top of a table and give each student a fly swatter. Provide a prefix that fits with one of the visible word cards. The first student to swat the prefix’s matching word sets the card aside in a pile to keep score. The student with the most cards wins.

🔤 Alphabetical Order

As students play the game, challenge them to alphabetize their word cards. Then, once the round ends, have players work together to sort the new prefix words into ABC order.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a Teach Starter Collaborator.